This year's data shows a slight decline in juvenile offenses. However, because of relatively low numbers, comparing numbers for just two years may not reflect a true trend. For example, overall referrals showed a decline of 10% between 2000 and 2001. However, the same data showed an increase of 10% from 2001 to 2002.

As with the criminal caseload, the low violent crime rate in North Dakota is reflected in its juvenile court statistics. Offenses against persons made up 7% of the juvenile court caseload. Meanwhile, status offenses (offenses which only a child can commit) made up 18% of the caseload. Property offenses comprise 23%; traffic offense, 5%; deprivation, 7%; and other delinquency, 39% of the juvenile caseload.

The method by which cases were disposed shows a continued reliance on adjusted/diverted proceedings. Of the cases heard, 50% were disposed of through adjusted/diverted proceedings in 2002, compared to 47% in 2001 and 46% in 2000. The use of informal probation adjustments decreased in 2002. The formal juvenile court caseload reflects a decrease over previous years. Tables comparing the types of dispositions and reasons for referral to the juvenile court in 2001 and 2002 follow. As in previous years, the illegal possession or purchase of alcoholic beverages continues to be the most common single reason for referral to the juvenile court.